Quick Verdict
The Avatar: The Last Airbender MTG set delivers innovative Bending mechanics that perfectly capture each element's playstyle, making it one of the best Universes Beyond collaborations yet.
The Legend Begins
Water. Earth. Fire. Air. Long ago, Magic players lived together in harmony... until the Universes Beyond changed everything.
It is finally here. After months of rumors and leaks, Magic: The Gathering | Avatar: The Last Airbender officially released on November 21, 2025, bringing the beloved world of the Four Nations into the MTG Multiverse. Whether you are a dedicated Commander player looking to upgrade your deck or an Avatar fan jumping into the card game for the first time, this set promises some of the most flavorful mechanics we've seen in years.
In this guide, we'll break down the new "Bending" mechanics, the best Commanders to build, and which products offer the best value for your money.
When Did the Avatar MTG Set Release?
The set officially launched globally on November 21, 2025. However, dedicated collectors have been hunting down cards since the prerelease events earlier this month. Alongside the main set, Wizards of the Coast dropped a massive Secret Lair Superdrop on November 17, featuring alternate art styles that die-hard fans will recognize immediately (yes, including the Ember Island Players).
Understanding the New "Bending" Mechanics
Mechanic Analysis
Unlike some crossovers that simply "reskin" existing cards, Avatar: The Last Airbender introduces four distinct mechanics representing the bending arts. Each one captures the tactical feel of the element it represents.
1. Firebending (Aggression & Burst Mana)
Firebending is all about overwhelming offense. In MTG terms, it often appears as:
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Mechanic: Firebending X (Whenever this creature attacks, add X Red mana. This mana lasts until end of combat).
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Playstyle: This encourages aggressive combat steps. You can use the temporary mana to cast combat tricks, instants, or pump spells to finish off opponents before they can react.
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Best For: Mono-Red Burn and Rakdos (Red/Black) Aggro decks.
2. Waterbending (Flexibility & Flow)
Waterbending emphasizes adaptability and using your resources creatively.
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Mechanic: Waterbending allows you to pay costs by tapping untapped creatures or artifacts you control instead of just lands.
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Playstyle: This mechanic turns your board state into a resource. It is perfect for "Go-Wide" token decks where you have plenty of small creatures to tap for value.
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Best For: Azorius (Blue/White) Control and Simic (Blue/Green) Value decks.
3. Earthbending (Resilience & Animate Land)
Earthbending focuses on the physical ground beneath your feet.
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Mechanic: Earthbend typically involves putting +1/+1 counters on target lands you control and turning them into Elemental creatures with Haste.
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Playstyle: This makes your mana base a threat. Even after a board wipe, your lands can stand up and fight.
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Best For: Gruul (Red/Green) Stompy and Naya (Red/Green/White) Landfall decks.
4. Airbending (Evasion & Movement)
Airbending is about avoiding conflict until the perfect moment to strike.
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Mechanic: Airbend allows you to exile non-land permanents and cast them later (often for a reduced cost or with flash).
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Playstyle: This functions like a defensive "blink" effect, saving your creatures from removal spells or re-triggering "Enter the Battlefield" (ETB) effects.
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Best For: Jeskai (Blue/Red/White) Tempo and Blink decks.
Top 5 Commanders from the Avatar Set
If you are looking to build a new Commander (EDH) deck, these are the legendary creatures defining the meta right now.
Avatar Aang / Aang, Master of Elements
The ultimate 'flavor' commander. Aang starts small but transforms into the Master of Elements once you have triggered all four bending mechanics in a single turn.
Colors: 5-Color (WUBRG) identity
Build: Perfect for "Superfriends" or "Legendary Matters" decks
Playstyle: Reduces spell costs after mastering all elements
Toph, the First Metalbender
A powerhouse for Artifact and Landfall decks. Her passive ability treats your non-token artifacts as lands.
Colors: Naya (Red/Green/White)
Build: Artifact and Landfall synergy
Pro Tip: Combine with Tireless Provisioner for explosive mana
Fire Lord Azula
True to her character, Azula is ruthless. She allows you to copy instant and sorcery spells cast during combat.
Colors: Rakdos (Red/Black)
Build: Burn and spell copying
Playstyle: Chaotic, high-damage turns
Appa, Steadfast Guardian
Everyone's favorite sky bison is a premier 'Blink' commander. Appa can Airbend (exile) your board to protect it from board wipes.
Colors: Azorius (White/Blue)
Build: Blink and protection strategies
Synergy: Pairs well with Aang, Swift Savior
Uncle Iroh, Grand Lotus
A unique 'Group Hug' commander that can pivot into a win condition. Iroh encourages card draw and ramping.
Colors: Temur (Green/Blue/Red)
Build: Group Hug with win condition pivot
Ability: Tea Ceremony generates massive advantage
Secret Lair x Avatar: The Last Airbender Drops
Wizards of the Coast didn't stop at the main set. The Secret Lair "Superdrop" includes high-value reprints with stunning new art.
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"The Ember Island Players": This hilarious drop features parody artwork of the main cast (based on the "Ember Island Players" episode). It includes staples like Phantasmal Image (as the "Absolutely Accurate Actor") and Thespian's Stage.
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"One with the Elements": A gorgeous, serious drop featuring Force of Vigor and Past in Flames with abstract, elemental art styles.
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"A Lot to Learn": Focused on Aang's journey, featuring a reprint of Serra Ascendant as "Aang, Ascendant Airbender."
Product Guide: What Should You Buy?
With so many products available, it can be confusing. Here is the quick breakdown:
Avatar Play Booster Box
Perfect for drafting with friends and building a collection. Contains 24 Play Booster packs with all four Bending mechanics and character cards.
Best for: Drafting with friends & building a collection
Contents: 24 Play Booster packs
Experience: Draft and Sealed formats
Avatar Collector Boosters
Hunt for serialized cards, exclusive Elemental Frame foils, and premium variants. Each pack contains 15 cards with guaranteed foils and showcase art.
Best for: Collectors and chase card hunters
Contents: 15 cards per pack (guaranteed foils)
Chase Items: Serialized cards, Elemental Frame foils
Avatar Commander Decks
Four pre-constructed Commander decks ready to play straight out of the box. Each deck features a different nation and bending style.
Best for: Players who want ready-to-play decks
Options: 4 different Commander decks available
Includes: 100-card deck, tokens, deck box
Avatar Bundle
Perfect gift set includes Play Booster packs, spindown die, storage box, and basic lands. Great introduction to the Avatar set.
Best for: Gifting and newcomers
Contents: Boosters, die, box, land pack
Experience: Complete starter package
Is the Avatar MTG Set Worth Buying?
Final Verdict
Verdict: YES.
Unlike some previous Universes Beyond collaborations that felt forced, the mechanics in Avatar: The Last Airbender feel naturally integrated into Magic's color pie. The distinction between the aggressive Fire Nation and the controlling Water Tribe translates perfectly to gameplay.
Whether you want to crush opponents with Fire Lord Azula or durdle with The Cabbage Merchant (yes, he is a real card), this set is a love letter to both franchises.
Ready to master the elements? Check out the full singles list below.
External References
Frequently Asked Questions
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